Is Bariatric Surgery As Safe As Other Common Operations?

What comes to mind when you think of a risky surgery? Maybe an operation on the brain, spine or heart. One that takes many hours to complete. One that has such a high risk of an ‘adverse outcome’ that it’s only considered when all other options have been exhausted.

While all surgery involves some degree of risk, it’s widely recognised that some procedures are more significant than others. So, how do we assess that risk? And how risky is bariatric surgery compared to other procedures?

Assessing Surgical Risk

Surgical risk depends on both the type of surgery and the patient who is having it.

In general, surgical risk increases if the operation is likely to:

• Involve major organs like the brain, heart or lungs
• Requires a prolonged period under anaesthetic
• Lead to significant blood loss or affect circulation.

Surgical risk also increases with the patient’s age, weight and co-morbidities.

Then comes an assessment of the benefits of surgery. If the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks, the surgery will probably go ahead.

And, of course, risks can be mitigated. Surgeons and anaesthetists use various measures to reduce identified risks as much as possible.

High-risk Surgeries, Low-risk Surgeries – And Bariatric Surgery

Based on the criteria above, high-risk surgeries would include:

• Heart, liver, lung or kidney transplants
• Major joint replacements
• Heart surgery
• Bowel resection.

At the other end of the scale, low-risk procedures include:

• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
• Endoscopy
• Tonsil removal
• Hernia repair.

In a way, you’re already aware of these different risks. That’s why you feel very anxious when someone you love is having heart surgery and only mildly concerned when they’re having a hernia repaired. One is a much bigger deal than the other.

So, where does bariatric surgery fit in?

Is Bariatric Surgery High-risk or Low-risk?

American researchers assessed the outcomes for 1.6 million patients undergoing 9 frequently performed procedures including:

• Hip replacement
• Gallbladder removal
• Appendix removal
• Hysterectomy
• Hernia repair
• Bariatric surgery.

The researchers compared outcomes such as:

• Readmission
• The need for a second operation
• Extended length of hospital stay
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Mortality.

Compared to other procedures, bariatric surgery was about as risky as a hernia repair. Patients were very unlikely to need an extended hospital stay and infections or blood clots were ‘exceedingly rare’.

The researchers concluded that bariatric surgery ‘demonstrates a remarkable safety profile and compares favourably to other common procedures in the short-term.’ They encouraged doctors to be confident in referring patients for ‘these low-risk, lifesaving operations.’

The Other Risk To Consider

While it’s right that patients be warned of the general and particular risks of surgery, there’s another type of risk that must be considered. That’s the risk of not having surgery.

Bariatric surgery is performed on patients with overweight or obesity who have usually tried and failed to lose weight using traditional means. Weight is hard to shift – and more tends to creep on each year.

So, the likelihood is that, without bariatric surgery, such patients will continue to be well above a healthy weight. It’s well-established that being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, pregnancy complications, sleep difficulties, joint pain…the list goes on.

As noted above, according to the US study, bariatric surgery is about as risky as a hernia operation. But that relatively low-risk procedure can help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight, which helps to:

• Reduce the risk of developing:
  • GI and other cancers
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Dementia
• Improve fertility
• Boost mental health
• Resolve sleep apnoea.

How Can Dr Lockie Help?

Dr Lockie is a highly experienced weight loss surgeon with an excellent track record.

He leads a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss, believing that behavioural, dietary, psychological, physical and medical considerations all play a role in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.

If you’ve been considering weight loss surgery but were worried about its risks, then we encourage you to come and talk to us. As you’ve seen here, bariatric surgery is considered a relatively low-risk procedure but the evidence shows that it can significantly reduce the risk of serious health issues such as diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

Feel free to book an appointment with our SCOPE certified PNSA and NP today if you would like to explore your options.

 

Disclaimer

All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Dr Phil Lockie can consult with you to confirm if a particular procedure or treatment is right for you. All surgery carries risks.